Multiple helimagnetic phases in triclinic CuSeO3

Abstract

Topologically nontrivial spin textures have attracted considerable attention not only because of rich physics related to the quantum phases, but also because of their potential for novel spintronic functions. We have successfully synthesized one of the rare triclinic phase of CuSeO3 via modified hydrothermal process. Magnetic studies on triclinic CuSeO3 implies helimagnetic spin structure that is well contrast with ground state ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic states for monoclinic or orthorhombic phases of CuSeO3. The observed two helimagnetic phases can be further transformed into paramagnetic and induced ferromagnetic phases with tuning of temperature and applied magnetic field. Along with the experimental measurements, a first-principles calculation based on density functional theory reveals that triclinic CuSeO3 is a charge-transfer type Mott insulator with non-collinear antiferromagnetic order. A spiral magnetic spin texture has been found by the theoretical calculation.